22nd October 2025, Kathmandu
The Tihar festival, a time of lights, flowers, and the sacred brother-sister bond, is intrinsically linked with the joyous, community-driven tradition of Deusi-Bhailo.
Tihar’s Deusi-Bhailo Losing Soul
This custom, where groups of people go door-to-door singing, dancing, and offering blessings, is a highlight of the Yamapanchak celebrations across Nepal.
However, in places like Rautahat, Nepal, a growing sense of worry is clouding the festivities. Social leaders and elders are expressing deep concern that the original spirit and originality of Deusi-Bhailo are rapidly fading, being swept away by the tide of modernity.
The Crisis of Originality: From Madal to Modern Music
Traditionally, a Deusi group’s performance was characterized by the distinct rhythm of the madal (drum) and majura (cymbals).
A group leader would chant the poetic verses, while the rest would chime in with the classic refrain, “Deusi Re…!”
The dancers would often wear traditional Nepali attire, Daura Suruwal for men and Gunya Cholo for women, upholding a profound cultural link.
Today, that scene is evolving, with many believing it is losing its essence.
According to Krishna Khadka, a local of Chandranigahapur, “It is disheartening to see Deusi-Bhailo becoming ostentatious in the name of modernity.”
The core concern is the rising prevalence of youth groups playing pop, rap, and Hindi songs on electric speakers, overshadowing the authentic folk tunes and traditional instruments.
This shift has led many senior citizens to voice their anxiety over the deterioration of a beloved Traditional Nepali Festival.
A Cultural Link to King Bali
The urgency to preserve the originality is heightened by the deep, often legendary, history of the tradition. While official facts are scarce, a common belief ties Deusi-Bhailo to the cultural episode of King Bali.
The tradition is said to have begun in the medieval period, with the Deusi verses paying homage to the legendary, generous King who was granted permission to visit Earth once a year during Tihar.
By discarding the original chants and instruments, critics argue that the modern performances are severing this vital connection to the cultural and religious narrative that underpins the festival.
Bright Spots in the Preservation Effort
Despite the overarching concerns, there are pockets of hope. Reports from Chandrapur indicate that some community groups are consciously choosing to perform Deusi-Bhailo solely for Cultural Preservation.
These groups are dedicated to maintaining the art form, resisting the urge to prioritize commercial or purely entertainment-focused motives.
For the traditional custom to survive, leaders in Rautahat stress the importance of education. The future generation must be informed about the original significance, the traditional instruments, and the authentic verses, understanding the difference between simple entertainment and the value of an ancient cultural practice.
The call from Rautahat is clear: to cherish the lights of Tihar, we must ensure the melody of Deusi-Bhailo, a true reflection of Nepali cultural heritage, does not fade away.
For more: Tihar’s Deusi-Bhailo Losing Soul